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socalgal

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Everything posted by socalgal

  1. [ I was there......and will chime in later.......a very long night......the treat was in seeing these Bolshoi talents on one stage together......amazing. And I enjoyed the contemporary choreography, although not always successful.
  2. Sorry for the confusion. Actually my entire subscription was confusing, thus a trip to the ticket office this summer. My usual scheduled time is Thursdays and there were only two groups performing on a Thursday. Therefore I was given two performances in my season package! I had to add all the other performances by date.........Reflections is performing Jan. 20-23. Tour de Force II is a 'bonus option' for all subscribers on Thurs. April 28 '11.(one night only) Eifman Ballet will be performing prior on April 26-May 1. Yes, they sandwiched this Tour de Force in the middle of Eifman Ballet's visit. I have grown very frustrated with the Dance Series at OCPAC. There is a definite coalition with Adani and OCPAC that continues to bring the same groups from season to season. It is discouraging that they are not more supportive of our own regional companies in America. I would also love to see Paul Taylor and a few other contemporary companies as well.........growing weary in SoCal.......I guess I should be thankful for what we do get to see......
  3. I just renewed my dance subscription at OCPAC in person at the ticket office.. I had some these same questions before purchasing some of the extra offerings. This special performance is only one night and is already half sold. I was late in renewing and could only get orchestra row S ! If anyone is planning on going, it would be wise to get a jump on it.
  4. Yes, Amy. It is an amazing experience to view this doc. on the big screen. The camera work is excellent. And you really do feel like you are close up and personal. I encouraged my DD and her friends to go to the film forum in NYC to see this. It is worth it. IMO. And the pace, be it leisurely, floats you into a world of its own...........I found this aspect to be magical.
  5. I put my afternoon aside to sneak off and catch this film in Irvine, CA. "La Danse" is flawed with what Macauley calls "having no center" and I did find myself bored with some long sections of a few of the contemporary pieces. Editing was needed IMO. It also ends abruptly with an odd choice of dance choreography. Here are the many wonderful impressions left with my by film's end......... *Excellent camera angles while viewing the dancers both in rehearsal and on stage....giving you a personal up close look at these beautiful dancers *A private look inside the Paris Opera House so quietly filmed that you felt that you were strolling through yourself. And you are shown so many areas that are not privy to the public. *Watching the coaching and listening to the delightful comments from the ballet masters. There is a comment regarding S. Farrell which made me chuckle out loud! There were many insightful conversations here for different reasons. *Spending leirsurely time in rehearsals which made you feel that you were there watching. *Bringing the viewer in for business sessions and a couple of private talks between AD and dancer. It is a quiet film that lets you wander around the Paris Opera during work hours of this world class company. It captures the hallways, various small reheasal spaces, rooftop and basements as well as the costume room and offices. The film did need a central point. In parts, it did ramble. And I was surprised that contemporary work was given a large part of footage. Although I did not care for much of these contemporary pieces, it was a delight to watch the processes in rehearsals and then to stage. This film maker's lens was full of love for ballet. However, a point of view about POB or ballet in general was missing. It is definitely worth viewing. But I am afraid that the general population would doze off.............because there is not much narration, it serves those 'in the know' to fair better through the 2 1/2+ hours.
  6. The one that springs to mind is Forsythe's "Impressing the Czar" as danced by the Royal Ballet of Flanders in NYC last year. It was my first viewing of the ballet, although I have seen "In the Middle....." separately danced by the Royal Danish and others. My retired DD and I had some wonderful discussions afterwards revolving around the structure of ballet both in its art form and its organizational nature. We were quite stimulated by our experience. That is rare for me these days. I loved the wit and full use of the stage as well as the decor and props. It was a total envolvement for me. And even though the music was taped, the sound system was so superior that it did not hamper a thing for me. I cannot say that it is a masterpiece. But it is a valid work of art that will stay with me for ever. Do I want all ballets to be of this type of structure? No. But it moved me in a different way. I am always thankful for works of art that take me on a journey. Also Robbin's "The Concert" will stand up there at the top of ballets. It is simple, it is spot on, it is joyous and just plan great fun. No matter how many viewings. A masterpiece for sure.
  7. A few of my friends are re-reading "Atlas Shrugged" . I ' ve just started and am loving it.
  8. I want thank all of you for all the great responses in helping me select an evening at the opera. DD and I have changed our direction and decided to go to the new "Westside Story" instead. We would have loved to do both, but $ and time did not permit. DD also knows some of the performers in WSS and has never seen a live production of this wonderful show. I hope it is as good as the reports coming in to me......
  9. I am excited from reading your review printcess! Just last night I bought tkts. for the first week in April! I am glad to hear that the quality of this revival is top notch. I was actually surprised to get good seats as new musicals seem to book out in advance. Is this a sign of the times?
  10. Thanks, Carbro, for putting this announcement on. CBC will be delighted! Will I see you there?
  11. Thank you for your wonderful insights and suggestions. Bart, I am totally on the same page with your regarding Wagner. It's funny as I just needed to hear someone else say what I was thinking.....Honestly, my DD and I are not experienced opera goers and wanting a pleasurable night of lovely music and singing. "Rigoletto" sounds just fine. And yes, SandraO, Verdi agrees with me also. Now, I will take a look at what seats are available. I have sat in various areas of the Met and am somewhat aware of its beauty and its pitfalls! However, I am most appreciative of your suggestions as it applies to opera which is different than seating for the ballet. I love this board. Your wisdom and experience are the best. Grazie!
  12. We are thinking of taking in the opera while visiting NYC. Our dates are limited. Here are the choices for the days we can attend..... April 6 - Die Walkure 7 - Cav/Pag 8 - L'Elisir d"Amore 9 - Rigoletto This is our first time seeing opera at the Met. We have been to many ballet performances at the Met, but never the opera. What do you think? Thanks!
  13. I am thrilled to such good reports about CBC. These certainly are remarkable kids. So sorry I couldn't be there. Hopefully I can attend the April performances. And yes, these are ambitious and talented students with very busy academic workloads. My hats off to them!
  14. My DD and I are going to see "Impressing the Czar" on Friday. We aimed at viewing something that was a bit more "out side the box" for ballet, as it were. Looking forward to fun evening. We are Forsythe fans. Anyone here going?
  15. Okay folks! I was there ......Febuary 13th at OCPAC to see one of my favorite dancers, Diana Vishneva. My disappointment with this program has kept me away from reporting. The issues with this "Beauty in Motion" are many even though the caliber of dancing was wonderful. The reviews from the LATimes and the OCRegister hit many of the problems beginning with the selection of works presented. When I opened the program and saw "Pierrot Luniere" as the opening piece, my reaction was "Oh dear". I have never seen Schoenberg's music successfully choreographed to and see it as extremely problematic for dance. But I reserved a ray of hope for Ratmansky who has been recently written about as the future of ballet choreography. This piece did not live up to any of the press that I have read about him or his work. The dancing was fine, the steps were strung together with a ballet combination here and an emoting phrase there and so on.....yet most of the sections made nary a statement or impact. Diana's dancing was fine but her talents were not showcased here. She pretty much blended into the piece with the other 3 men joining her.. Intermission........some people did not return....emty seats were slightly noticable. Moses Pendleton's F.L.O.W. opened up the middle act. It was the most imaginative of the evening. However, it had nothing to do with ballet IMO. ( I scratched my head again) The paper reviews cover this work, so I do not feel I need to get into details. I will comment that Vishneva seemed to enjoy herself in this genre. I cannot tell you that she was challanged in any respect nor was her artistic talent unleashed in this type of work. I enjoyed it because it had interest, particularly when compared with the repetive movement of the opening piece "Pierrot Luniere". Still, the gimmicks ran amok and I have seen the same or better in Las Vegas! Intermission.....more empty seats. AHH....the one I was waiting for! Rhoden's "Three Point Turn" coupling Diana with the incredible Desmond Richardson. The movement was somewhat satisfying. I feel like I have seen this type of work before. Hard hitting, contemporary with alot of partner intwining bodies. I liked it just okay. The dancers were fine. I did not see Vishneva standing out from the other dancers. And I feel that Desmond dominated over her presence. The other 2 couples were interesting and held the piece to a high technical level. The costumes and lighting were unflattering. Final bow......take note.....Vishneva diappears as this audience is nicely clapping while making it to the exits. Where did she go? Finally, Diana reappears in high heels and a beautiful Greecian styled evening gown, all to take her final bow. Please........ So, New Yorkers, you decide. I will be curious to see how you view her evening of dance. And when you report, you may want to put it under 'other forms of dance' . I am not complaining about the modern thrust of the concert as I do love good contemporary dance. I was not enthralled with any of the three pieces on this program. Ratmansky cannot be the future of ballet choreographers if this is evidence of his work. Moses Pendleton paired with a ballet diva was really outside the box. (Actually I did have a thought that maybe this man should work with ballet dancers, as he did offer a fresh approach to the art). And Rhoden's choreography was just OK. I do not think any major company would put this piece in their rep. I expected far more from this artist and the celebration of her talent. Thus, my disappointment. The dancing was top notch and the musicians were also wonderful. I was thankful for all that.
  16. I just received a letter from OCPAC that La Scala performances have been canceled. There is no replacement....... This notification is being sent to all subscribers in the Dance series.
  17. Barbara..OK....were you a grad student like me? If so...I am sure we know each other. Yes, George Chakiris did frequent classes as did many other film and t.v. stars. Clinton Rothwell , former priniciple of NBC, was at UCI for a short time. He was so incredible to watch demonstrate for us that I would almost forget the combination. (He was newly retired) Roy Fitzell (sp?) was my partner in "Kiss Me Kate" a wonderful person. Would love to PM you when you get enough posts required to do so as this post is really going off topic! Glad that you have found BT!
  18. Barbara, our paths may have crossed many times possibly! After Eugene Loring's Hollywood studio closed, many of those teachers grouped together and opened their own spaces. Sallie Whelan was one of those. I also frequented her classes and went on to study at UCI under Loring where Paul Maure came in on occassion. He taught at Sallie Whelan's studio for years. He traveled around to various studios in L.A./O.C. areas. His classes were full of multiple turn combinations as he was an expert turner. A wonderful teacher - giving, kind, spirited and encouraging!
  19. I am thrilled to hear this news! Wow. This is a solid, smart and talented group of dancers of which quite a few have had strong pro careers before arriving at Columbia university. Glad to hear that the studio "was packed to the walls". I was told by one of the members that there will be a more formal performance in the coming spring. Keep us posted, Flipsy.
  20. Fall for Dance opens this week at OCPAC......I have a couple of great tkts. for program 1 on Thursday @ 7:30.....anyone interested?
  21. He is in SF dancing in a choreographers workshop this summer.
  22. I attended SB on Wednesday evening.....I do not have time to write . However, I must tell you that I had tears in my eyes during the first 20 minutes. I was angry, unbelievably disappointed, and in utter shock that a company of this stature produced a classic reproduction in such disarray, disregarding the importance of the story line, tampering with traditional choreography badly, and spending huge amounts of money on costumes that were beyond my comprehension of historical place and time, not to mention a color pallet equal to ToysRUs. NEVER have I reacted this way to any top professional classical story ballet production(......although ABT's Nutcracker comes close) Why Why Why......I kept asking myself. Atleast the lead couple, Aurora and her Prince, were given beautiful costumes and danced with aplomb. My condolences to the corps, the Fairies and the rest of the cast. My guest was so confused by the storyline presented that she kept asking me questions throughout. So much of the lovely magic of the Petipa version were tossed away and replaced with second rate staging and choreography. What a mess.
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